Firearm rear bipod

ABSTRACT

A rear bipod firearm mount for mounting to a firearm stock includes a housing adapted to mount to a firearm stock. A pair of pivot elements are each rotatably mounted to one side of the housing. A pair of bipod legs are each located on one side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to one of the pair of pivot elements. Each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing. Each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to firearm rear bipods. More particularly, the invention relates to a rear bipod for attachment to the butt of a rifle stock for use in precision shooting.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing enthusiasm for precision target shooting as a hobby. Precision shooting as addressed here includes target shooting using a rifle or another long gun. The distances and targets used in precision shooting require an extremely stable set up of the firearm and shooter. For example, competitive shooting is done at distances that may exceed 600 yards or more with targets no larger than a milk bottle.

Bipods and mounting devices for attaching to and supporting firearms are generally available. However, most currently known bipod devices and methods used for stabilizing a firearm are not designed for attachment to the butt of a rifle stock. Typically, for precision shooting, methods for stabilizing the stock include hand placement and manipulation of sand bags, monopods or the like as selected according to the shooter's individually preferred positioning.

Unfortunately, using sandbags or monopods do not uniformly provide the desired rigidity combined with elevation control and personally tailored positioning. While crude scissors style rear mounts are available, these do not provide the stability or flexibility desired for precision target shooting. Since currently available bipods are designed for mounting on the front of a firearm, such devices offer a limited range of motion and are not suitable for rear mounting.

In response to the deficiencies noted in known stabilizing devices, the present invention provides a rear mounting bipod that offers a range of movement sufficient to allow a user to comfortably stabilize a firearm for precision shooting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A rear bipod firearm mount, for mounting to a firearm stock is disclosed. In some examples, the rear bipod firearm mount comprises a housing, having a top surface, opposing sides and a saddle affixed to the top surface, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock. A pair of pivot elements are each rotatably mounted to one of the opposing sides of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface. A pair of bipod legs are each located on one side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements. Each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated, along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A side view schematically shows a diagram illustrating the swivel range of the legs of a firearm rear bipod.

FIG. 1B top view schematically shows a diagram illustrating the range of transverse adjustment of the legs of a firearm rear bipod.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an isometric view of a firearm rear bipod for mounting to a firearm stock.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a bottom view of a firearm rear bipod.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a firearm rear bipod in a deployed position.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the relationship of the firearm rear bipod left and right legs to the base illustrating an example of a latching mechanism.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a partially cutaway top view of the internal leg latching and swivel mechanisms of a firearm rear bipod.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a partially exploded isometric view of a firearm rear bipod.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a partially exploded top view of a firearm rear bipod.

In the drawings, identical reference numbers call out similar elements or components. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following disclosure describes a firearm rear bipod. Several features of methods and systems in accordance with example embodiments are set forth and described in the figures. It will be appreciated that methods and systems in accordance with other example embodiments can include additional procedures or features different than those shown in the figures. Example embodiments are described herein with respect to a firearm rear bipod having bipod legs that are independently adjustable in a wide range of combinations of swivel angles and transverse angles. However, it will be understood that these examples are for the purpose of illustrating the principles, and that the invention is not so limited.

Definitions

Generally, as used herein, the following terms have the following meanings, unless the use in context dictates otherwise:

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims or the specification means one or more than one, unless the context dictates otherwise. The term “about” means the stated value plus or minus the margin of error of measurement or plus or minus 10% if no method of measurement is indicated. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or if the alternatives are mutually exclusive. The terms “comprise”, “have”, “include” and “contain” (and their variants) are open-ended linking verbs and allow the addition of other elements when used in a claim.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “an example embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or combinations and/or variations of these terms means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a side view diagram illustrating the swivel range of the legs of a firearm rear bipod is schematically shown. A housing 5, having a top surface 3, is attached to a pair of bipod legs 10 one of which are located on each side of the housing 5. A pivot element 20 is located proximate the rear of the housing 5 and is rotatably mounted to the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs 10 are connected to one of a pair of pivot elements 20. In one mode of operation, each of the pair of bipod legs 10 are connected to swivel around the housing 5 up to about 360°. Each leg 10 may be independently positioned at a different swivel angle or at the same angle as desired by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a top view diagram illustrating the range of transverse adjustment of the legs of a firearm rear bipod is schematically shown. In this view, both of the bipod legs 10R, 10L are shown as connected to pivot elements 20R and 20L. Each of the bipod legs 10R, 10L, may be independently rotated up to about 180° with respect to opposing sides 15R, 15L of the housing 5.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an isometric view of an example of a firearm rear bipod, for mounting to a firearm stock is shown. The firearm rear bipod 2 includes the housing 5, a pair of bipod legs 10R, 10L, where the pair of bipod legs are pivotably connected to one of a pair of pivot elements 20L (as shown in FIG. 3), or 20R where one is located on each opposing side of the housing 5. Each of the bipod legs include at least a first section 11L or 11R and second sections 12R or 12L. When in a collapsed mode, each bipod leg may be locked into position with a spring-loaded latching mechanism 14R, 14L as are well known in the art. For further stability, feet 34 may be connected to the bottom end of each bipod leg. When mounted on a rifle and in the latched position, the feet 34 are oriented toward the front of the device, along the bottom of the stock and facing away from the butt (not shown).

In one useful example, the housing 5 is a unitary block that may be molded, machine or milled to provide a stock saddle, connecting channels and other apertures. An aperture 40 is sized to receive a (not shown) rifle sling stud, for example, for attachment to a rifle butt. A fastening device, such as a nut and bolt arrangement, may be used to fasten the housing 5 to the rifle butt. Built into the top surface 3 of the housing 5 is a stock saddle 25. The stock saddle 25 may have a shape that conforms to receive a rifle stock. For example, the stock saddle 25 in combination with the top surface 3 may have a generally “U-shaped” cross-section when taken in a direction running perpendicular to the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the saddle may be removable and interchangeable with other saddles of varying sizes to accommodate different rifle stocks.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a bottom view of a firearm rear bipod is schematically shown. The housing 5 includes dual latching mechanisms 44, one for each of the pair of bipod legs 10R, 10L. Each of the bipod legs include a mating female latch 43 adapted to latch onto a mating member of the dual latching mechanisms 44 as described in more detail below. The dual latching mechanisms 44 are located on the front side of the housing 5.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a firearm rear bipod in a deployed position is schematically shown. Here the right bipod leg 10R is shown deployed at an oblique swivel angle with relation to the housing 5 and an oblique transverse angle with respect to the housing 5. Although partially hidden, the left bipod leg 10L is similarly deployed. Located on each side of the housing 5, is a receiving aperture 41 positioned to receive a latching element affixed to the inside of each bipod leg, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the relationship of the firearm rear bipod left and right legs to the base illustrating an example of a latching mechanism is schematically shown. In this example, the firearm rear bipod to as a pair of bipod legs 10R, 10L wherein each of the bipod legs include a female mating element 43 for connecting to latch mechanisms 44 so as to lock the leg in place for storage or transportation. In one useful example, when each of the legs is folded inwardly towards the housing 5 in a parallel relationship with housing 5, the female mating element will connect with a corresponding latch 44 in the housing. This is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a partially cut away top view of the internal leg latching and swivel mechanisms of a firearm rear bipod revealing the latching mechanism and pivot elements is schematically shown. Each pivot element 20 includes a pair of notched wheels 70 adapted to be mounted within a recess 85 of the housing 5. Each pivot element 20 also includes a groove 270 between its notched wheels 70. A plurality of detent channels 104 are provided for containing detent ball and springs as described below with reference to FIG. 7. Bipod legs 10R, 10L may be latched into a storage position when folded together so that the mating latching elements 43, 44 are locked together.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded isometric view of a firearm rear bipod and jointly referring to FIG. 8, an exploded top view of a firearm rear bipod, are schematically shown. Housing 5 includes a plurality of enclosed channels 104 linearly displaced across the width of the rear of the housing 5. Also formed within the housing 5 are receiving channels 85, 41 for the pivot elements and latching elements respectively. Inserted into each of the plurality of enclosed channels 104 a ball spring 96 held captive by a setscrew 94. When the pivot element 20R is inserted into aperture 85 of the housing 5, it is held in place by a plurality of pins 92 which are inserted into each of a plurality of retaining channels 102 and held in place by set screws 90. The pins 92 capture each of the pivot elements by traversing the slots 270 (as shown in FIG. 6) to hold the pivot elements within the aperture 85 while allowing rotation of the pivot elements in planes perpendicular to the right and left sides of the housing 5. The pivot elements 20R, 20L are connected by means of a pin 116 to each bipod leg. Each bipod leg 10R, 10L includes a plurality of detents 130 arranged in a circular pattern around a slot which accepts a flange portion 71 of the pivot element 20R. A pair of compression springs 118 are each mounted between a pair of balls 119 and are captured by a pair of the detents 130 depending upon the position of the bipod leg.

In operation, when either bipod leg is positioned into a particular swivel angle, the slots in the pivot element 20 may advantageously produce a clicking noise and resistance for the user in order to give it a more sensory feeling and to provide a more definite setting. Similarly, the compression springs 118 may advantageously provide a clicking noise and resistance to the user when the user is setting a preferred pivot angle transverse to the central body. Each bipod leg operates similarly, but independently.

Now turning to the latching mechanism, the first latching element 44 is held in a channel 160 (as shown in a partially cutaway view above with respect to FIG. 6). A spring 82 provides bias so as to hold or release the mating latching element 43. Latching element 44 is slidingly held in place by spring pin 112 which is inserted into an elongated slot 171. A mating element 43 is attached to each of the legs by means of a pin 114 inserted through aperture 172 and 173. In this way when compression force is applied to either spring 82, the latch releases and the leg may be positioned. Both the left and right latching mechanisms are identical.

Each bipod leg 10R, 10L may comprise at least first and second elongated linear leg elements 11, 12. Alternatively, a plurality of leg extension elements may be included for varying length as desired. The elements may be connected by means of a threaded coupler 120 or other well-known coupling means. In other example embodiments, the bipod legs may comprise telescoping or other known types of extendible members. As best seen in FIG. 8, indents 14R, 14L are flats for a wrench to tighten leg elements.

In some examples the rear bipod firearm mount for mounting to a firearm stock comprises a housing, having a top surface and opposing sides, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is rotatably mounted to one side of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; where each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.

In another example, the bipod firearm mount further comprises a saddle attached to the top surface of the housing, the saddle being adapted to receive a firearm stock.

In another example, the saddle is integral to the housing.

In another example, the saddle comprises a removable and interchangeable part.

In another example, the housing comprises apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.

In another example, a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions is contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, are connected to each bipod leg.

In another example, the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.

In yet another example, the notched wheel mechanism is aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.

In another example, the housing comprises a plurality of enclosed detent channels for holding the detent elements; a plurality of enclosed receiving channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed detent channels to receive the pivot elements; and a plurality of latch channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed receiving channels to receive the latching elements.

In another example, each pivot element is rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.

In yet another example the components may be included in a kit for a rear bipod firearm mount comprising a housing, having a saddle, top surface and opposing sides, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is adapted to be rotatably mounted to one side of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is adapted to be located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is adapted to be rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; where each pivot element adapted to allow a connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg further adapted to be rotated about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.

In another example of a kit, a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions is contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, is connected to each bipod leg.

In another example of a kit, the housing apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.

In another example of a kit, the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism adapted to be rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.

In another example of a kit, the notched wheel mechanism is adapted to be aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.

In another example of a kit, each pivot element is adapted to be rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is adapted to be captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.

The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles of the present invention, and to construct and use such exemplary and specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention may be carried out by different equipment, and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, may be accomplished without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rear bipod firearm mount, for mounting to a firearm stock, the rear bipod firearm mount comprising: a housing, having a top surface and opposing sides, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is rotatably mounted on opposing sides of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; where each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to independently swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
 2. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 further comprising a saddle adapted to snugly receive a firearm stock.
 3. The bipod firearm mount of claim 2 wherein the saddle is integral to the housing.
 4. The bipod firearm mount of claim 2 wherein the saddle comprises a removable and interchangeable part.
 5. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 further comprising a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, connected to each bipod leg.
 6. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.
 7. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.
 8. The bipod firearm mount of claim 7 wherein the notched wheel mechanism is aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.
 9. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises: a plurality of enclosed detent channels for holding the detent elements; a plurality of enclosed receiving channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed detent channels to receive the pivot elements; and a plurality of latch channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed receiving channels to receive the latching elements.
 10. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein each pivot element is rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.
 11. A kit for a rear bipod firearm mount comprising: a housing, having a top surface, opposing sides and a saddle affixed to the top surface, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is adapted to be rotatably mounted to one side of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is adapted to be located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is adapted to be rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; where each pivot element is adapted to allow a connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg is further adapted to be rotated about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
 12. The kit of claim 11 wherein the saddle is built in integral to the housing.
 13. The kit of claim 12 wherein the saddle comprises symmetrical opposing portions.
 14. The kit of claim 12 wherein the saddle comprises a removable, interchangeable saddle.
 15. The kit of claim 11 further comprising a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, connected to each bipod leg.
 16. The kit of claim 11 wherein the housing includes a top portion and a symmetrical bottom portion adapted to be coupled to each other to form apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.
 17. The kit of claim 11 wherein the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism adapted to be rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.
 18. The bipod firearm mount of claim 17 wherein the notched wheel mechanism is adapted to be aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.
 19. The bipod firearm mount of claim 11 wherein each pivot element is adapted to be rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is adapted to be captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.
 20. A rear bipod firearm mount, for mounting to a firearm stock, the rear bipod firearm mount comprising: a housing, having a top surface, opposing sides and a saddle integrated into the top of the housing, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; wherein the saddle is adapted to snugly receive a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is rotatably mounted to one of the opposing sides of the housing, where the pivot elements include a mounting surface, wherein the pivot elements each comprise a notched wheel mechanism rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing, and wherein the notched wheel mechanism is aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements, wherein each pivot element is rotatably connected to each bipod leg, and wherein each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, connected to each bipod leg; where each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other. 